Simon Danczuk says Goddard Inquiry will be “uncomfortable” but “necessary”

Simon Danczuk MP

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has said a planned inquiry into allegations of historic child abuse in the town will be “uncomfortable” but “necessary”.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99486/cambridge-house-and-knowl-view-to-be-investigated-by-justice-lowell-goddard

His comments come after Justice Lowell Goddard, chairwoman of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, confirmed that two institutions in Rochdale will be included as part of the wide-ranging investigation.

In a statement released yesterday, Justice Goddard said: “The investigation will be focused, in part, on allegations that boys who attended or resided at Cambridge House Boys’ Hostel and Knowl View School were subject to sexual abuse by specific individuals, including by former Liberal Party MP Cyril Smith.”

Mr Danczuk played a key role in campaigning for the inquiry to be set up.

He also called for the previous two chairwomen, Baroness Butler-Sloss and Fiona Woolf, to be removed because of their close links to people or institutions under suspicion.

Mr Danczuk said: “It’s pleasing to see that the campaigning by myself and others has resulted in such an in-depth and wide ranging inquiry.

“After a faltering start to the inquiry I hope Justice Goddard will now be given the time and resources to carry out this vitally important work.

“As ever, the focus should remain on the victims of these horrendous crimes. No investigation, regardless of how wide ranging will ever undo these traumatic experiences but we can ensure that the truth is discovered and that vulnerable children are protected in the future.

“Much has been learned in Rochdale in recent years when it comes to tackling child abuse, but there are still many questions left unanswered. This inquiry will be uncomfortable for our town but a necessary part of the healing process.”